Assertion (A): The teledensity in India is poor.
Reason (R): The telecom policy laid down by the Government of India never aimed to improve the teledensity.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the only explanation.
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
The assertion (A), “The teledensity in India is poor,” is false. India’s teledensity has grown significantly over the years. Focused telecom initiatives have played a major role in this progress. Affordable data plans, mobile network expansion, and smartphone penetration have also contributed. Although some rural areas still face connectivity issues, India’s overall teledensity is no longer poor.
The reason (R), “The telecom policy laid down by the Government of India never aimed to improve the teledensity,” is true. However, it needs clarification. Early telecom policies, especially in the 1990s, did not directly aim to improve teledensity. Instead, they focused on privatizing telecom services and fostering competition. Later policies, like the New Telecom Policy (NTP) 1999, targeted teledensity improvement. These policies actively addressed rural and urban connectivity challenges.
Thus, the correct answer is (D): (A) is false, but (R) is true.
In summary, India’s telecom policies evolved over time. Initially, they did not emphasize teledensity. However, later reforms successfully boosted connectivity across the country. This progress highlights the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide better communication services.
